THE next stage of Coventry's Phoenix Initiative is beginning to take shape with widening of key city centre roads.

Work on the junction of Corporation Street and Upper Well Street has already started and will continue until mid-November, when it will stop for a festive break.

The aim of the scheme is to improve the flow of cars and buses.

Work on Tower Street and Bishop Street will start when the first improvements are completed.

The roads and footpaths will remain open at all times but pedestrians and motorists are asked to take care and follow signs.

Cllr Dave Batten (Lab, Westwood), cabinet member for development and renewal, said: "The works are necessary to progress the Phoenix development, which will completely regenerate that part of the city centre.

"The contractors are constantly working with the minimum disruption for visitors to the city centre and are keeping traffic and pedestrian access available at all times.

"The roadworks will help us to manage the anticipated additional traffic which will visit the city once the new Phoenix Initiative is complete."